EDCI 515 - Organization and Administration of Kindergarten Education—3 hours
Designed to give students an understanding of the organizational and administration needs of kinder- garten education. Topics include the history and philosophy of early childhood education, program planning and design, policy development, multicultural relationships, and communication with parents, teachers, and church personnel. Students should be working in a PreK-K classroom or be able to arrange for comparable field experience.
EDCI 516 - Psychological Foundations of Education—3 hours
The study of psychological information and its application to the processes of teaching and learning. The course covers subjects such as theories of learning, pupil characteristics, pupil variability, culture and community, motivation, creating learning environments, and student assessment.
EDCI 517 - Educational Psychology—3 hours
This course focuses on the area of psychology which deals with how human beings process information about the world. Topics include how individuals attend to and obtain information about the world, how the brain stores and processes that information, and how individuals think, solve problems and use language. Attention, perception, memory and problem solving are addressed.
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EDCI 521 - Theories of Learning—3 hours
A Biblical view of the learner and the learning process is used to examine current approaches to learning theory. Behaviorism, cognitive-field learning theories, as well as adult teaching practices, are examined as they relate to theoretical perspectives. Adult learning theories and teaching practices is discussed as well. Theoretical principles are then used to devise practical adult teaching and learning methodologies.
EDCI 522 - Methods for Teaching Bible—3 hours
This course focuses on the pedagogical knowledge, skills, and dispositions related to effective religious (spiritual) instruction and Bible curriculum in Kindergarten-6th grade using a variety of teaching and as- sessment strategies. Strategies will be taught within the context of leading children into a personal rela- tionship with God, providing them with a belief system, and teaching them the principles of discipleship. The ability to locate, evaluate, and use appropriate resources is a focus. Students should be working in a K-6 classroom or be able to arrange for comparable field experience.
EDCI 523 - Methods for Teaching Social Studies—3 hours
This course focuses on the pedagogical knowledge, skills, and dispositions related to effective in- struction and assessment in Social Studies for Kindergarten-6th grade. Frameworks of instruction that support multi-grade contexts, developmentally appropriate practices, and differentiating for diversity are covered. The ability to locate, evaluate, and use appropriate resources is a focus. Students should be working in a K-6 classroom or be able to arrange for comparable field experience.
EDCI 524 - Health Methods—2 hours
A study of the theoretical and scientific basis of health education with emphasis on the development and organization of the school health instruction program. The ability to locate, evaluate, and use appro- priate resources is a focus.
EDCI 525 - Methods for Teaching Language Arts—3 hours
A comprehensive study of effective evidence-based language arts principles and instructional methods appropriate for Kindergarten-6th grade. Effective methods and strategies related to both the receptive and expressive language arts (including listening, talking, writing, viewing, and visual representation) are emphasized. The frameworks of instruction that support multi-grade contexts, developmentally appro- priate practices, and differentiating for diversity are covered. Study is given to assessments that inform instruction in the language arts. The ability to locate, evaluate, and use appropiate resources is a focus. Students should be working in a K-6 classroom or be able to arrange for comparable field experience. EDCI 526 - Methods for Teaching Math—3 hours
Includes curriculum organization, materials, methods, and instructional aids with emphasis on multi- grade classrooms. Attention is given to the sequential skill development and to changes in the mathe- matical contents, technology and pedagogy. Instruction is also provided in lesson planning, assess- ment, and differentiating instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners. The ability to locate, evaluate, and use appropiate resources is a focus. Students should be working in a K-6 classroom or be able to arrange for comparable field experience.
EDCI 527 - Methods for Teaching Science—3 hours
Includes curriculum organization, methods, materials and equipment with emphasis on multi-grade classrooms. Techniques and materials are examined using basic principles of the scientific method. Instruction is also provided in lesson planning, assessment, and differentiating instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners. The ability to locate, evaluate, and use appropriate resources is a focus. The ability to locate, evaluate, and use appropiate resources is a focus. Students should be working in a K-6 classroom or be able to arrange for comparable field experience.
EDCI 528 - Methods of Instruction for the Kindergarten Classroom—3 hours
Designed to give students an understanding of developmentally appropriate kindergarten classroom instruction, assessment, materials, and strategies for teaching your children in preschool and kindergar- ten. Emphasis is given to application of the principles of child development, differentiating instruction, and methods for promoting harmonious physical, mental, social, and emotional growth. Students should be working in a PreK-K classroom or be able to arrange for comparable field experience. EDCI 530 - Distance Learning in Higher Education Settings—3 hours
This course covers the techniques and methods used in planning, development, and implementation of distance education teaching courses and systems in higher education. The course is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to critically explore, evaluate, and experience distance learning technologies for education. A variety of media will be used to communicate between class members and with instructors.
EDCI 531 - Technology in Education—3 hours
Study and analysis of the integration of technology in learning environments. The course examines technology-related issues from instructor, student and administrator perspectives. Issues include the
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philosophy of and need for technology, learning outcomes associated with the use of technology, imple- mentation of and problems associated with technology in the instructional environment and technology related to administrative function and professional development. This course also seeks to provide the educator with an array of professional competencies so as to optimally leverage technology for instruc- tional ends. This course incorporates a hands-on approach and assumes basic competencies in word processing, presentation software, Internet usage, and the Windows operating system.
EDCI 532 - Distance Learning in K12 Settings—3 hours
The course is designed to provide an overview of various forms of distance education while preparing current K-12 teachers to teach in an online environment and become leaders in the development, im- plementation and evaluation of online programs. The course examines distance education technology, online teaching and learning, as well as learner support and the management and administration of distance education programs. Research and theory development are addressed.
EDCI 535 - Philosophy of Christian Education—3 hours
In-depth study of the philosophical foundations of education. Reviews the major schools of philosophic thought and theories of education. Explores connections between philosophy, education theory, educa- tional practice, and probes current issues and reforms. Scriptural frameworks and Christian education principles as expounded by E.G. White are incorporated.
EDCI 538 - Reading and Writing in the Content Area—3 hours
This course will help teachers focus on those literacy skills essential to differentiate for the needs of each student. It will include modeling the process necessary for literacy and learning concepts in a subject area and instructing students so they can become independent learners. The development of vocabulary, comprehension and study/reference skills in grades 7-12 will be covered. Causes of literacy problems, assessment procedures, and organization of a sound literacy program are stressed. Principles learned will be applied in classroom settings. This course meets secondary reading methods requirements. Students should be working in a K-6 classroom or be able to arrange for comparable field experience.
EDCI 567 - Curriculum and Strategies for Children with Learning Differences—3 hours
Planning, developing, and implementing curriculum for exceptional students is the focus of this course. Study will include the identification of students with special learning needs and strategies for inclusion in the multiage classroom. A special emphasis is given to cognitive studies. (Meets NAD certification requirements for Exceptional Child in the Classroom).
EDMM 543 - Multiage Classroom—3 hours
This course is designed to build the leadership qualifications of the small school teacher. Students in the course will examine the history of the small school and then explore the administrative duties they carry in addition to teaching. Topics include leadership qualities, budgeting and finance, working with the School Board, marketing the school, building maintenance, and safety issues, among others. Topics will include the specialized needs of the multi-grade teacher in administration, record keeping, curriculum management, and organization in small schools.